The Leominster native is one of four starters returning to the Minutemen offense. Although he's battling some nagging injuries, Blanchflower hopes to be ready to go on Aug. 31 when UMass heads to Madison, Wis., to open the season against the University of Wisconsin.

"Blanchflower has been in and out of the lineup during summer camp," UMass head coach Charley Molnar said. "We made an executive decision based on the medicals to hold him out for at least the next 10 to 14 days. How that will affect the Wisconsin game remains to be seen."

"Not having him on the field hurts us a little bit offensively. Once he gets on the field, whether it's the Wisconsin game or the Maine game, I think you're going to see a dynamite football player. He caught the ball really well in the spring."

Blanchflower didn't disclose the specifics of his injuries, but feels that his status as a team captain might have heightened the buzz surrounding his health.

"To be honest with you, anyone who plays this game from the Division I level to the Division III level is banged up all summer," Blanchflower said. "It's a brutal game for tough guys, and everybody is going through the same thing. Guys around the team know that it's not going to affect my level of play, and I'm going to be ready come game time.

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Last year in UMass' first season in the elite Football Bowl Subdivision, Blanchflower caught 43 passes for 464 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 46.4 receiving yards per game, and capped off his season with a 10-catch, 100-yard, touchdown-scoring performance against Central Michigan.

"I hope to perform greater than I did last year," Blanchflower said. "It was sort of a breakthrough season for me, but I know I can perform at the level of the Central Michigan game every week. Last year I wasn't consistent every week, and I'd like to be more consistent this year."

Although the 6-foot-4, 260-pound tight end definitely has the size of a blocking back, UMass utilized him during the spring game and at points during the regular season in some unconventional spots. Although Molnar said throwing similar wrinkles into game plans with Blanchflower early in the season is unlikely because of his limited playing time due to his injury, it might be something Minutemen fans see as the season progresses.

"Last season there were games when I was in the backfield, or playing H back," Blanchflower said. "I'm used to the versatility. There were some games when I was on the outside, and the way our offense works is all concepts. I'm a better conceptual learning, so I know what every position's responsibility is."

With limited depth at the tight end position last season, UMass was reliant upon Blanchflower to carry the load of the position. This season is a different story, as some of the younger tight ends have more experience, and the Minutemen also boosted their depth with Michigan transfer Ricardo Miller.

"This is the first time we've had this many tight ends since I've been at UMass," Blanchflower said. "From a practice standpoint, it takes away some of your reps. It's great knowing you have a strong No. 2 tight end who can come in during practice and take a load off your legs."

The Minutemen were in a difficult position last season, having to start a redshirt freshman at quarterback. But with a year of chemistry under their belts, Blachflower and signal caller Mike Wegzyn are hoping to connect in the passing game in 2013.

"Wegzyn was in a difficult situation last season, and that's a lot of pressure to put on someone his age," Blanchflower said. "He understands my body and the way it moves, and when to hit my in stride and where to place the ball. That's important. If there's a certain opening, he knows the best spot to put it for me to have a chance at a catch."

Blanchflower worked hard in the offseason, putting on a few pounds during voluntary workouts. Several teammates followed in his footsteps, attempting to go the extra mile in order to get ready for the season.

"I don't know if it's the way we've been programmed the last few years," Blanchflower said. "We were just in there working our tails off and getting after it. It's almost like a team standard that we hold ourselves to. There aren't many off days up here. I think it's paid off for me and the rest of the team; we've all put on good weight."

Although there is still much to be accomplished in his collegiate football career, Blanchflower has already received some interest from scouts and hopes to play at the next level after graduation.

"He's done a great job of being a complete tight end," UMass tight end coach Shane Waldron said. "He's improved in every area, and I think that's his biggest strength. He may not have one thing that he's elite at, but he's very good at everything."

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